WASHINGTON - THE value of top executives's pensions rose an average of 19 per cent last year even as their companies' share prices dropped, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

Over 200 executives saw pensions jump over 50 per cent. The spike, the Journal said, was due in part to 'generous' pension formulas based on executive pay and to 'arcane' techniques that trigger the increases.

HELSINKI - NOKIA Siemens Networks says it will lay off up to 5,700 workers globally as part of a move to cut annual costs by euro500 million (S$1.03 billion).

The mobile network equipment maker says it will reorganise units, reduce overheads, expand its portfolio and consider acquisitions 'where assets would add scale to existing product areas or customer relationships.'

CLEANER Gan Beet Phang, 60, was dumbfounded when 35 of her colleagues surprised her with yellow gerbera daisies while she was clearing tables at Suntec's food court on Tuesday.

It was their way of expressing their appreciation for Madam Gan's kindness and her willingness to help fellow workers.

WHEN leaders of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) grouping meet next week, they will discuss how to foster growth in the region over the long term, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday.

'We'll be focusing on the long-term issues as we emerge from the recession,' said PM Lee at a media briefing ahead of the Apec Leaders' Week meetings from Nov 8 to 15, which are being hosted by Singapore for the first time.